Falls Fest features four days of entertainment, food

Menomonee Falls - Falls Fest kicks off Thursdayfor its 20th year with an entertainment lineup of old favorites and new faces.

The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday and Friday and noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday at Village Park, at the corner of Appleton and Garfield Avenues, just south of the downtown area. It features bands, games, food, softball tournaments, a silent auction, and both games and activities for children and families.

Four nights, six bands

Live music begins with the Eddie Butts Band at 7 p.m. Thursday. Chasin' Mason stops to perform in Menomonee Falls during their Wisconsin tour at 7 p.m. Friday.

Hat Trick and North Coast Orchestra are two new bands this year, fest chairman Jeff Steliga said. Hat Trick plays before Chasin Mason. Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, the Heat Duo plays followed by The Sweet Tarts. Mr. Lucky Swing Syndicate also performs at 1 p.m. Sunday followed by North Coast Orchestra at 5 and 10 p.m.

Dave & Buster's is setting up adult games and prize wheels on Saturday and Sunday. This is the first year they have taken part in Falls Fest.

AJ O'Brady's and Lumpylicious BBQ, a barbecue wagon that features pulled pork and brisket, are two new food vendors. Angelo's Café Vino inside Jess' Place will be open each day of the fest and offers open mic sessions.

"People can come and sing and tell jokes," Steliga said.

Games, specials all weekend

Falls Fest organizers kept the poor economy in mind as they planned this year's festivities with Dollar Off Daytime. From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, attendees can purchase beer, soda and water for $1 off. Beer, which usually sells for $3.50, will be $2.50; water is typically $1.50, and soda is $2, Steliga said.

Falls Fest also features a softball tournament, a giant slide, a moon walk, skill games, miniature golf and youth baseball games. Children will also have the chance to climb an inflatable wall, which is new this year.

A silent auction runs Friday and Saturday and closes Saturday evening.

"You may be surprised about the bargain stuff you'll find," Steliga said.

Fireworks begin at about 9:45 p.m. Sunday.

Admission and parking for Falls Fest are free. Any profits made from the event go back into the community, Steliga said. Volunteers are still needed. Those wishing to help can call Susan Steliga at (262) 255-1114.

For the band and event schedule, visit Falls-Fest.com or the event's Facebook page.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Falls Fest

WHEN: 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday and Friday and noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday

WHERE: Village Park, at the corner of Appleton and Garfield avenues